The Greyhound Inn, Rugeley

The more 'local' of the two pubs in Colton, but very friendly and I felt quite at home here. Solid-looking building, set back from the road by a front patio beer garden beyond the car park, with a former Off Sales hatch directly opposite the front door. The entrance leads to the public bar, although there is also a smaller lounge round the far side of the central servery, and both parts are pleasingly traditional. Rev James and an excellent pint of TT Knowle Spring (£3.70) available from two of the four handpumps.

I was fully expecting to find this place closed and having missed the turning off the main road into the village of Colton, I almost continued on to Rugeley without turning around. In the end, I was glad I did. The pub has new tenants and the paved area at the front of the pub was fairly busy. The interior looked fairly traditional from what I could see, but not being allowed in, it remained a mystery to me. Ales were national options - Doom Bar, Hobgoblin Gold, Tribute & Spitfire. Service was good. Worth seeking out.

A detached brick build, along with a semi-detached house! with red paintwork and a nice beer garden at the front. The interior had two rooms that I saw; a bar and a lounge, served by a central wood panel bar. The bar room was rammed, but had a pool table and darts, as we passed through to the lounge to get a seat – we got one, though that was rammed as well – the place seemingly very popular with the locals, whom were friendly! The décor was white, exposed brick and lots of original ceiling and structural support beams. There is a plethora of brasses, plates and other ephemera around, as well as prints on the wall – a traditional kind of place. The music was at a decent level and there was a couple of nice little brick fireplaces. The service was fine. Beer; tap stuff, with three handpulls; the untried London Pride and Abbot, as well as a decent pint of Brough Ale A great place, I really enjoyed visiting here – sadly, no MILD, and very packed for a misery like me!